FIRST ANNUAL NEW JERSEY MAKERS DAY

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The maker movement in the United States isn’t just a hobby; it’s having a significant impact on school curriculum development and growing local economies. To celebrate making and maker culture, residents throughout New Jersey will come together on Saturday, March 21 in libraries, schools, museums, homes, and other community locations.

For this inaugural event, Montclair Public Library and its neighbor HackNCraftNJ are teaming up to provide maker activities in their respective facilities.

“We are ecstatic to be able to bring this type of programming to the Montclair community,” said Chelsea Dodd, Information Services Supervisor. “We are committed to finding ways to help people learn new skills and work collaboratively on exciting hands-on projects.”

Community members of all ages are invited to join for an exciting day filled with activities focusing on maker culture.

"We are thrilled to work with Montclair Public Library in this statewide event to engage and inspire local residents, and expose them to new technologies," added Frank Gibbons, co-founded of HackNCraftNJ.

At the library, events include a screening of the documentary Maker at 1 p.m., exhibitors with demonstrations for adults, and children’s activities. Participants include Bike&Walk Montclair, the Township of Montclair’s Environmental Affairs, a professor from Montclair State University’s Department of Art & Design, MontclairMade, Green Mojo, and Guerrilla Gardening, among others.

HackNCraftNJ, located next door in the United Way building, will open its Makerspace to visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to showcase 3D printing, robots, drones, DIY electronics and other emerging technologies. Activities will includes demonstrations, soldering instruction and hands-on projects.

These events are free and open to the public. The library is handicapped accessible and can provide assistive listening devices upon request. For more information, visitwww.montclairlibrary.org/calendar or www.HackNCraftNJ.org. Find out more about NJ Makers Day at www.njmakersday.org.